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ABAC Study Abroad Coordinator:
Rebecca Cofer
Office: Carlton Center
Phone Number:229-391-4918
Email: rcofer@abac.edu

Study Abroad - Safety Abroad Tips

Airplane Travel
As you may already know, several changes have been made to increase security with regard to airports and airline travel. Below are some general differences you should be aware of, but be certain to contact your airplane before you leave to learn more about their specific policies.

• Many airports ask that you arrive 3 hours before your flight for international travel (2 hours for domestic) to allow you ample time to pass through additional security checks, baggage screening, etc.
• Most airlines have reduced the limit for allowable carry-on items to one, plus one personal item (briefcase, purse, laptop, etc. - check with your airline). These regulations are constantly changing. Please check with your airline about what items are acceptable in your carry-on, especially in regards to liquids, medicines, and cosmetics. You will also have to check the weight limits for your checked luggage.
• Some airlines/airports ask that you check as many bags as possible, including bags you had intended to carry on.
• If you have purchased e-tickets, some airlines require that you present proof of travel, or some sort of confirmation of your e-ticket.
• Do not even think about joking about terrorism, or what "might" be in your bags. Doing something like this will get you arrested immediately. Don't try it.
• Be careful when packing. Some airports are randomly checking bags that pass through security. Do not pack any sharp objects in your carry-on (even nail files or Swiss army knives) as this may postpone your journey, and even potentially get you into serious trouble. If you need these things overseas, buy them upon arrival.
• Never leave your luggage unattended in an airport.

In-Country Safety
People live safely in the countries where you are going. However, you should use common sense like you do here to avoid any trouble. While you are abroad, you may be feeling adventurous, trying to experience as much as you can. Also, you will be removed from you usual surroundings and will likely have lost some of your framework of knowledge about what is sensible and what is not. Try to seek an ideal balance of calculated risks (going out with groups of people you don't know etc.) and maintaining common sense (knowing how to find your way back home if you should end up stranded, or getting totally drunk with strangers).
You DO NOT take your rights as an American with you abroad. You are subject to the laws of that country, and to the punishment as well. Do your research to make sure you know the laws of your host country, and follow them. Activities that we take for granted here may not be legal overseas, and drunkenness or ignorance is not a defense for illegal activity anywhere. Furthermore, the authorities in your host country are generally not inclined to give young Americans the benefit of the doubt.
Here is a list of helpful suggestions to help eliminate some of the risks associated with traveling in a foreign country:

• Read up on the customs and political situation of every country you visit. The US Department of State (or you can visit the Student version of the US Department of State) provides current information on every country. Major metropolitan newspapers can keep you up-to-date on important current events. Students who are on the Education Abroad Listserv can receive current information regarding travel warnings and public announcements.
• Before you go, talk to international students from the places you intend to visit. Their insights will prove very useful.
• Protect your valuable documents. Carry these in a money belt or neck wallet under your clothes when traveling.
• Before leaving on your trip, make 2 sets of copies of all your important documents. Take a set with you, but be sure to separate it from the actual documents. Leave one set with a friend or a family member back home.
• Never leave your pack or luggage unattended.
• Avoid illegal drugs. You are subject to the laws of the country in which you are traveling, and punishments may be severe.  You do not want to your education abroad experience to culminate in a prison sentence.
• Avoid demonstrations, especially in political volatile countries.
• Travel with a companion at night and stay in populated, well-trafficked areas. Be especially cautious if you have been drinking.
• Be aware at all times of your surroundings. This is not paranoia, it's good common sense. You know what feels comfortable and what doesn't. If your instincts tell you a situation is uncomfortable, trust them and move along.
• Stay healthy by eating well and getting sufficient rest. If you become ill, get proper health care. Don't be afraid to visit a doctor or hospital because you don't speak the local language. Usually someone who speaks English will be available to help you.
• Do not "dress American". This means you should avoid clothing with American flags (or any kind of stars and stripes), VT t-shirts and paraphernalia, baseball caps or anything else that may single you out from the general crowd as an American.

-Safety tips taken from Student travels: Magazine for International Travel, Study, and Work, Fall 1997, CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchanges, New York